Elmo takes customers' cue

Elmo Insurance is the first insurer to launch instant online car insurance purchase for Maltese residents and for risks situated in Malta at www.elmogroup.com. "The rationale for introducing our iCar product was customer-driven," Elmo Insurance told The Times Business.

"After careful research of local internet use, we decided that as more and more people are buying goods and services online, we should bring them the same opportunity to obtain and renew car insurance. Not only is a customer able to obtain a quotation for car insurance on-line but that customer can, in most situations, arrange immediate cover. That is a first in Malta."

Mindful of the fact that some customers had less time on their hands, Elmo Insurance has also developed systems to allow customers to renew their car insurance round-the-clock and, following collaboration with the Malta Transport Authority, to renew their road licence at the same time.

The facility allows round-the-clock car insurance purchase in three steps. Customers need only input their basic quotation details, some additional details, and a final quick purchase cover option selection. All that is needed at hand is the vehicle log book and bank card. Asked about on-line security issues, Elmo Insurance said the site had adopted a world-class secure payment gateway facility.

"We are therefore confident that all sensitive customer information is fully protected. The system has been rigorously tested and audited externally," the company said.

The company said that although the product is in its early days, the response has been encouraging.

"We will continue to respond to the technology-based needs of the public. Internet insurance is an on-going process."